MAR8084 : Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Yongchang Pu
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 5 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 5 |
| Semester 3 Credit Value: | 50 |
| ECTS Credits: | 30.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The primary aim of this module is to foster an in-depth exploration of specialised topics within the maritime engineering including naval architecture, marine engineering, offshore renewable engineering, offshore engineering, subsea engineering and pipeline engineering. By delving into current and emerging issues, students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Central to the module's objectives is the development of advanced research skills. Students will undergo training in critical areas such as literature review, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Through this, they will acquire the necessary tools to undertake independent, high-quality research projects.
Critical thinking and problem-solving are emphasised throughout the course, encouraging students to analyse and propose innovative solutions to complex engineering problems. Professional development is a key focus, with an emphasis on communication, project management, and adherence to industry standards and codes.
Ethical conduct in research is a foundational principle, instilling integrity, transparency, and responsible practices in every stage of the research process.
Outline Of Syllabus
The form of supervision will be agreed between module leader, student and identified potential supervisor, but may be in approximately the following form:
• Selection of topic for study
• Writing a study plan
• Literature review of study subject area
• Project initiation
• Project supervision
• Analysis and interpretation of information
• Draft review
• Completion of review
• Draft dissertation
Completion of dissertation
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Lectures including recorded lectures, notes, tutorials. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 398:00 | 398:00 | Dissertation (Research) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Scheduled sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 180:00 | 180:00 | Dissertation (write up) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Supervisory meetings |
| Total | 600:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Dissertations require, in various measure, literature review, analysis, synthesis evaluation and criticism of the work of others. The format of dissertation should aim at achieving the skills outcomes (IKO1 and ISO1 - 10).
Students should consult their timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 7 | Research proposal and project plan. Maximum 2000 words. |
| Report | 2 | M | 7 | Literature review - Maximum 2000 words |
| Research paper | 3 | M | 86 | Maximum of 70 pages |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first two submissions serve as a part of the continuous assessment.
The first submission is “The research proposal and project plan”, which encourages students engage with the course materials from the start. The research proposal and project plan are essential components of the MSc dissertation modular course. They serve as a roadmap for the research process and demonstrate the feasibility, originality, and significance of the proposed research topic. The research proposal and project plan also help the student to obtain feedback and guidance from the supervisor and the course coordinator, as well as to secure ethical approval and funding if needed.
The second submission is “literature review”, which should show how the research topic is relevant to the field of study, what gaps or problems it addresses, and how it contributes to the existing knowledge. The literature review should also justify the choice of research design and methods, and explain how they are suitable and rigorous for answering the research question. The literature review should be based on a systematic and critical analysis of the relevant sources, such as books, journal articles, theses, and reports. The literature review should use appropriate citation and referencing techniques to acknowledge the sources and avoid plagiarism.
The final submission is the research report, which serves as a comprehensive and coherent presentation of the research project and its findings, implications, and limitations. The final research report also demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct independent and original research, apply appropriate research methods and analysis, and communicate the results effectively and professionally. The final research report should be clear, concise, and well-structured, following the format and style specified in the Module Handbook, which are available on CANVAS. (IKO1, ISO1-10)
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MAR8084's Timetable